Arvest Bank kicked off its 11th annual Million Meals campaign today and it will continue through May 29. The campaign’s goal is to provide at least one million meals to those in need and it benefits more than 90 locally selected organizations throughout Arvest’s four-state footprint.
The campaign is particularly needed in Oklahoma and Arkansas, which rank 5th and 7th, respectively, among the most food-insecure states in the nation, while Kansas and Missouri are among the 21 most food-insecure states. Those figures are according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
To participate in the Million Meals initiative, customers and community members can make monetary donations at Arvest branches and drive-thrus or by calling (866) 952-9523. Additionally, customers can donate via the Arvest Go mobile app and Arvest Flex Rewards™ credit cardholders can log in to arvestflexrewards.com to redeem and donate rewards points. Every dollar raised through Million Meals provides the equivalent of five meals for those in need.
Arvest conducts Million Meals in the spring each year due to the fact food banks report an increased need in the summer, when many children do not have the benefit of eating meals at the schools they attend. According to the Food Research & Action Center, in fact, only one child participated in the USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs in July 2019 for every seven children who received a free or reduced-price lunch during the 2018-2019 school year.
In its previous 10 years, Arvest’s Million Meals campaigns have raised a total of more than 17 million meals, which includes more than $3 million in funds given directly to the bank’s local food partners. For more information, visit arvest.com/millionmeals.